Wedding Day

Park Tavern: The Piedmont Room & Piedmont Garden Tent

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It was a cold, February night in 2023. To be more specific, it was Ash Wednesday. I had just gotten back to my little Buckhead apartment from the ash service at the Cathedral of Christ the King. For some reason, I felt compelled to go on Bumble. That is when Devon's profile popped up on my screen and as you can conclude, I swiped right. We started talking immediately after that, and he asked me to dinner. We met for the first time a couple of days later on February 26th at Eclipse de Luna. Conversation flowed and before you know it, we were talking about where we go to church. I had seen on his profile that he was Catholic and went to church in Buckhead. This was surprising because he lives in Suwanee (miles away from Buckhead). He told me that he went to Christ the King. I had to know why he was traveling all the way from Suwanee every Sunday for mass. He told me that when he first moved to Georgia, he looked up Catholic churches in Atlanta and the church he goes to popped up. If you know Devon, you also know that he is always early; going to mass was no exception. He would, and still does, show up to mass so early that he was asked to become an usher. Once I heard this, I had to ask which church he went to. He told me Cathedral of Christ the King. I was happily surprised! I practically yelled, “I go there too! What time do you go?". He told me he ushers at the 10:30 mass. I was going to the noon mass, which explains why we never saw each other at church. Minutes turned into hours, and we were still having a great time, so he asked me if I wanted to continue the night at another restaurant. Of course I did! He ordered us an Uber, and we went to Fado's Irish Pub. It was pretty empty, so we were able to talk, and I mean TALK! At the end of the night, he asked me when he could see me again. I said, "Well, I am going to church tomorrow." He asked me if I would come to the 10:30 mass instead. I did. He took me to lunch after, and the rest is history!

How We Met: A Match Made in Heaven 

First, let me provide you with some context. As many of you know, I am a UGA Alum, so I LOVE the Georgia Bulldogs. Devon, on the other hand, claims to be a Florida Gators fan because his high school mascot was a Florida Gator. For my 31st birthday, I thought it would be fun to go to the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville. This game typically falls on my birthday weekend every year. The day before the game, Devon and I drove down to Jacksonville. When we arrived, Devon suggested we go somewhere nice for dinner. If you know me, you know I love to dress up, so I happily obliged. He made us a reservation at a nice seafood restaurant on the beach. Yes, I said seafood. If you know Devon, you know that is surprising because the man cannot stand seafood, but he also knows I love it! The reservation was for 8 o’clock, so he suggested we go somewhere to get a cocktail. He drove us to a Restoration Hardware which had a gorgeous rooftop restaurant. We sat outside, and the sun slowly started to set. Our server came to take our order, and Devon asked her to take our picture. We stand up and walk into the center of the rooftop. I was going to continue walking, but Devon stopped me. I turn around, and he gets down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said, "YES!" We celebrated with some champagne, and we continued celebrating at dinner.

Our Engagement 

Our Story

Photos

The Lovely Parents

Philip was an amazing father and grandfather. He was a head-strong, funny, loving man. He was also very supportive. He raised both of his daughters well. Even though he is no longer with us physically, we know he is with us in our hearts. 

Philip Garcia

Dulce is an amazing mother and grandmother. She is kind, loving, and strong as can be. She is hilarious and has raised both her daughters incredibly.  

Dulce Garcia

Robert is a fantastic father and grandfather. He is strong and kind. He has set a wonderful example for his children and raised them all to be incredible humans. 

Robert Simon 

Dale is an amazing mother and grandmother. She is hilarious and kind. She has raised all her children to be fabulous people! 

Dale Simon

Michelle and Devon met Sean and his wife, Megan, at a game night in their old apartment community. They became good friends - so much so that Michelle and Devon asked Sean to officiate their wedding. 

Sean Pinard 

Bridal Party

Stephanie is the sister of the bride. She is an amazing sister that is very close with Michelle. She is a headstrong, independent, hilarious woman. She is also an amazing mother to Madison, Michelle's beautiful niece. 

Stephanie Minnick 

Christie is Michelle's cousin. She grew up with Michelle and Stephanie and would accompany them on many a beach trip. She is hilarious and kind, and she is also an amazing aunt to all her nieces and nephews. 

Christie Kirk 

Nicole is Michelle's cousin. She is a strong, independent, young woman. She is hilarious and an amazing cousin and aunt. 

Nicole Gonzalez- Tablada 

Annabel is one of Michelle’s best friends. They became friends in 9th Grade Honors Bio class. However, they didn't become best friends until Junior year at UGA. They became roommates, and eventually best friends. 

Annabel Nemecek 

Andrea is one of Michelle's best friends.  She met Michelle the summer before Junior year of high school at volleyball tryouts. Andrea and Michelle have been close ever since. 

Andrea Dempsey 

Rachel and Michelle became friends through Devon. They met at Siena game night. She helped give insight to Michelle of the game they were playing. They grew closer as time passed. 

Rachel Rowland 

Izzy is the daughter of Jennifer Shelato, who is great friends with the bride and groom. 

Izzy Shelato

Madi is the niece of the bride and daughter of the Matron of Honor, Stephanie. 

Madison Lily Minnick

Groomsmen

Wesley and Devon became friends at Morehouse College. They have been good friends ever since. 

Wesley White 

Spears and Devon became friends when they both worked together at Lucas group. They have been good friends ever since.

Spears Lattimore 

Al and Devon became friends working on Rich McCormick's campaign. They have been good friends ever since. 

Al Chaul 

Kenny and Devon met in the Navy and have remained great friends. 

Kenny Brown

Mike and Devon met at the gym. They’ll still catch a workout together here and there. 

Michael Zambetti 

Devon and John met at the Cathedral of Christ the King. They are both ushers. They have become good friends through the ushering program. 

John Wizekittel

Patrick is the son of Dan and Ashley Cassidy, friends of the bride and groom. Dan ushers with Devon. 

Michelle & Devon

Michelle & Devon

Accommodations

Recommended Hotels

Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta

AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown

Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta